2000-A2-GB20-10
- 118 -
February 2004
This chapter describes how to configure the IAD as a bridge. A bridge is a
device that connects and passes packets between two network segments
that use the same communications protocol. A router generally improves
overall efficiency for a complex network, but a bridge provides better
speed and flexibility for the overall network.
Bridges operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI reference model.
In general, a bridge filters, forwards or floods an incoming frame based on
the MAC address of that frame.
This chapter contains the following topics:
Basic Bridge Setup Tasks (page
119
)
Using the Bridge Configuration Menu (page
120
)
Enabling and Disabling Bridging Globally (page
121
)
Enabling and Disabling Bridging by Port (page
121
)
Configuring the Bridge Aging Timer (page
122
)
Enabling and Disabling Spanning Tree Globally (page
123
)
Enabling and Disabling Spanning Tree by Port (page
123
)
Configuring Spanning Tree Bridge Priority (page
124
)
Configuring Spanning Tree Port Priority (page
124
)
Configuring Spanning Tree Hello Time (page
125
)
Configuring Spanning Tree Max Age (page
125
)
Configuring Spanning Tree Forward Delay (page
125
)
Configuring Spanning Tree Path Cost (page
125
)
Deleting a Bridge Forwarding Database Entry (page
126
)
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NOTE
It is recommended that bridged network architecture be
thoroughly understood prior to configuring the IAD.
Suggested reading: “Interconnections: Bridges and Routers”
by Radia Perlman, Addison-Wesley, 1992.
NOTE
When the IAD prompts you for input, the current value is
displayed in parentheses. To conveniently accept the current
value, just press Enter.
